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Insights and Opinions From Analysts and Experts in More Than 20 Industries

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In Russia, throughout most of 2018 there was a noticeable shift in consumer behavior around eating out, with the average individual check in foodservice was virtually flat compared to the same time period in 2017, while the average price per item on the menu increased.

2018 was an impressive year for the U.S. fashion footwear market—its strongest performance in recent years—and most accessories categories saw improved sales results. Though at a slower pace, footwear’s momentum will likely continue, and the accessories market will continue to level out. The most significant trends to watch will be an amplification of the familiar, including athleisure, comfortability, online’s growth and social/environment concerns.

Nathan Shipley outlines the opportunities as well as challenges for the automotive aftermarket industry this year. NPD forecasts that the industry will see little to no growth in 2019. The biggest factors driving this forecast include a combination of our outlook on miles driven (flat to slightly positive), our forecast for product pricing on the shelf (continuing to increase in the 5 percent range), and Moody’s 2019 forecast for the consumer price index for new and used cars (falling).

In beauty, we have seen stress-reducing ingredients like adaptogens, healing crystals and CBD emerge as some of the breakout stars of 2018. The coming year will see areas of growth within each U.S. prestige beauty category, but recession fears may slow the performance of the total market as consumers make the move to more careful consumption.

According to Matt Powell, Holiday 2017 was the most promotional on record for the U.S. sports industry – that is, until Holiday 2018. Powell says we need to return the industry to one of aspiration and inspiration, or we face the risk of running a race to the bottom; and that’s a race nobody wins. A new year brings new opportunity to change course.

Sluggish growth will continue in the food and foodservice industries in 2019. In order to grow, food companies, grocers, foodservice distributors and operators must align with changes in consumption patterns, be leaders in creating customer solutions, and be differentiated in product innovation, quality, experience, and execution.

Most common uses for apps like Grubhub/Seamless, UberEATS, and DoorDash are looking up items, paying for meals, and checking prices. While branded restaurant apps see special offers and loyalty rewards as their top uses. Are loyalist restaurant users short-changed using third-party apps?

In 2017 the 2 weeks of Black Friday/Cyber Monday posted a decline of -3 per cent across the fashion industry in Canada as buying visits (both online and in-store) experienced declines. In an attempt to reverse this trend, this year we saw promotions starting as early as the first week of November.

The holiday season presents consumers with a perfect opportunity to get in touch with their creative side – a behavior that bodes well for the office supplies market. Several arts, crafts, and traditional supplies categories tied to ornament decorating, homemade décor, and other trends will be top industry performers this holiday.

At Outdoor Retailer’s first ever November show, Matt Powell put a different spin on his industry trend breakfast. Here are some the questions and common themes he identified as being top of mind for folks in the industry.

The watch category registered its highest first-half sales in three years, with sales up eight percent versus last year. The back half of the year is generally larger than the first, so we are bullish on this peak holiday season once again bringing a strong finish to 2018.

After years of being held back by the health-focused “fresh” movement that kept more consumers in the perimeter of the store, the grocery center of the store is growing again. The consumer spoke and frozen and packaged foods manufacturers, whose products are located in the center of store, started listening.

In today’s world of social media and blogging, consumers are seeking their echo chambers of health the same way they use them for lifestyles and politics. They’re finding niche or individualized plans that meet their own specific goals, as opposed to plans that work for the average person.

Video games analyst, Mat Piscatella, from market research company The NPD Group offers his thoughts on the impact that the Pokemon franchise has had on the industry, across mobile, console and portable platforms, and where he thinks it’s heading.

Fashion sneakers and boots are positioned to sell well this holiday season, as are the brands and retailers that speak to the consumer priorities of comfort, coziness, convenience and versatility. Beth Goldstein outlines the trends and her expectations for the footwear industry this holiday.

After what was a solid first half of 2018 for the U.S. team sports equipment market, sales slowed in the third quarter. Matt Powell recaps how sales fared for baseball, golf, soccer, and other sports equipment products in Q3.

Will foldable smartphones give consumers a reason to lust after a new device or will ever-increasing costs become a barrier? See thoughts from Connected Intelligence President, Eddie Hold regarding the latest innovation.